GB324252A - Improvements relating to slicing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

324,252. Berkel & Parnall's Slicing Machine Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Thomas, H. Feb. 7, 1929, Cutting slices in succession.-A device for gripping the foodstuff is positioned at one side of the feed table. As shown, the device is formed similarly to a last slice holder and may be used as such if required. The device comprises a rigid frame 1 - - 3, a flexible front plate 5 secured thereto, shafts 7<a>, 7 which are geared together and carry spikes which project through apertures in the plates 5, and means described below whereby the front plate and the shafts 7 may be displaced into the curved position shown in dotted lines on Fig. 4, to conform with curved pieces of meat. The top shaft 7<a> is journaled in the rigid side members 2, 3 and the bearings for the remaining shafts 7 are linked together in the form of chains 9 which are suspended from the shaft 7<a>. The lowermost har 7 carries quadrants 14, 15 which are joined by a handle 16, 17 and are also attached to links 13 suspended from the top bar 7a. The quadrants have slots 22 with enlarged end portions 25 which receive enlargements on a spring- pressed rod 18. The quadrants are thereby locked in either of two positions, in one position the front plate 5 is straight and in the other it is curved. The pivoted member 28 releases the quadrant from the shoulders on the rod 18. As shown in Fig. 1, the device is pivoted on the pillar 4, is raised for adjustment by the lever 32 and is located by a pin 30 engaging one of a number of holes 31 in the feed table. The device may be thus positioned at an angle suitable to the shape of the meat. When the device is used as a last slice holder, the member 28 engages a stop 34 which maintains the quadrants 14, 15 free, and prevents the device from being used in the curved position and damaging the knife. The spikes for gripping the meat are actuated by the handle 11. The device may be fitted to a display tray, or the substance may rest on the under table of the machine and be drawn across the table by the side gripping device. A band or roller may be fitted in the table to facilitate the feed. The device may have a rack and pawl adjustment on the quadrants 14, 15 to permit adjustment into more than two curved positions. When used as a last slice holder, the device may grip the meat in a curved position, and when the piece becomes very thin, the holder is straightened out. The front plate 5 is made to flatten by its own resilience, but any flexible or jointed plate may be substituted therefor, or the plate may be dispensed with.